Kanonicza street
in Krakow with the Wawel Royal Castle in the background.
In the foreground - two adjacent houses where John Paul II
lived 1951-1963.

Krakow's Arguably Most Scenic Street - Ulica Kanonicza

The picturesque Kanonicza Street ends just at the foot of
the hilltop
Wawel Royal Castle
and used to constitute the last and most glorious part of
the
Royal Road,
Krakow’s ceremonial route leading from the main city gate to
the
central square
to the Royal Castle.

History of Kanonicza Street.

Until the 14th century the street was lined with mansions of
noblemen. Then, palatial residences of Krakow canons and
prelates took their place. Several buildings still belong to
the Church.

Strolling up the Kanonicza Street.

Kanonicza Street mostly preserved its exquisite Renaissance
air and shape, which appeal so strongly to Krakow visitors.
Lined with stately, usually Renaissance houses, it is
arguably one of Europe’s finest streets. Halfway a charming
plaza unveils the white facade of the imposing Baroque
Jesuit
church of St. Peter and St. Paul’s
of 1619 next to the grand Romanesque
church of St. Andrew’s
of circa 1090 at the parallel Grodzka street.

Where John Paul II once lived as a priest and bishop

From 1951 to 1963 Father Karol Wojtyla, future
Pope John Paul II,
dwelled at 19 and 21 Kanonicza Street, where his former
rooms have been turned into a papal department of Krakow's
Archdiocese Museum,
otherwise exhibiting mostly church art.

Wawel Royal CastleHome to three dynasties of Poland's monarchs. Its
stately halls and exquisite chambers are filled with priceless
art, best period furniture and rare ancient objects. The
collection of the 16th-century monumental Flemish
tapestries is matchless.

Wawel CathedralPoland's impressive national shrine shelters plenty of
superb church art. Its giant bell of 1520 ranks with the
world's largest. Most Polish kings and their family members are
buried in the cathedral, its chapels and crypts.

Grand SquareKrakow’s central Grand Square (Rynek Glowny), the
largest plaza of medieval Europe and one of the world’s finest
with its spectacular landmarks, has remained the hub of the city
since the 13th century.